The 10 Most Scariest Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and five minutes, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These defects can affect the lives of those who are affected for the rest of their lives.

Variations in the way cases are classified and identified can result in an over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When a baby is born with an injury or defect it can cause serious health problems for the child's life. Birth defects can result from medical errors or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defect can be prevented by proper nutrition and prenatal care. In some instances birth defects may be caused through environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that happen during pregnancy, such as uterine constraint, rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that run in families. These are easily detected with the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Some of these illnesses can be treated or prevented like PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Certain birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are called congenital disorders, or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of developing birth defects. Couples with the same genetic disorders may want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they require further testing. Screening tests for newborns can be used to determine certain conditions, such as congenital abnormalities that are critical, and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part, affecting the way that organs work or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider during the pregnancy process, at birth, or in early childhood. Certain birth defects, like palates, lips or craniofacial anomalies, are apparent. Some, however, aren't as obvious as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are detected by newborn screening tests, which are designed to detect certain health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic illnesses such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be diagnosed by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It's not always possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However the environment is often implicated. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water of communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or birth. Other times birth defects could be the result of a doctor not taking the proper steps to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

If a birth defect is diagnosed, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the issue. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others might require surgery or medical intervention after the baby's birth.

A few of the most common defects are chromosomal. They are caused by missing or excess genes in the cells of a person. They are typically passed down from the parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. These defects are caused by issues with the development of organs in the baby particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be conducted during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or later on in life when the first signs begin to show. These tests can be performed by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can also have a genetic test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are prone to a particular ailment.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some are due to issues that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to specific environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy may cause birth defects. Some birth defects are linked to certain chemicals that are found in the surrounding environment, Birth defect attorneys including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advancements in medicine birth injuries and defects continue to be an unfortunate fact. Many Birth defect attorneys defects can be avoided. If you have a child suffering from a birth defect that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to speak to an skilled lawyer as soon as you can. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate will help you understand the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling the claims of wrongful birth. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and take pride in the level of service that we provide to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for your losses, which could include future and past medical expenses loss of income, punitive damages in certain instances, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and work hard to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to adequately test their products before putting them on the market, and to inform consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you may be able to make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.